With winter’s arrival, it’s time to start planning some winter activities for you and your family to enjoy. We get it, not everybody loves the snow and cold that Canada so kindly offers each year. Many of us would much rather be inside counting down the days until spring arrives and we can pack up those bulky winter jackets. However, we believe you can enjoy the season by partaking in some winter fun. Whether you prefer to be cozy indoors or out dashing through the snow, there is something on our list of winter activities for every one of your family members to enjoy!
1. Go ice skating
Ice skating is a classic winter activity that is fun to learn if you’re a bit shaky. There are many rinks in Ontario, many of them being in Toronto or very close to the city. Some of the most famous rinks include Nathan Phillips Square and High Park. However, there are many other options that bring a new experience to ice skating, such as the Bentway skating rink, located underneath Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway. Or, skate through a beautiful winding rink at Storybook Gardens in London. If you are located closer to our nation’s capital, the Rideau Canal in Ottawa is also an extremely popular option. Many of these rinks provide helmets and skates to rent. If you really want to get into the spirit of skating this winter, you can also build a DIY skating rink in your own backyard!
2. Go skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing
For the more adventurous families, skiing or snowboarding is a terrific way to spend your time in the winter! Ontario has a plethora of different slopes that cater to all ages and difficulty levels. Additionally, they are scattered all throughout the province. So, whether you want to make a day trip to Glen Eden Ski Resort or spend a weekend at Blue Mountain Resort, the options are endless! If you or members of your family have no experience when it comes to hitting the slopes, you can also check out resorts such as Dagmar, which offers lessons for all ages. If skiing or snowboarding doesn’t seem like something that interests you, you can still have an exciting time by trying out snowtubing at any of the above locations.
3. Visit a museum
This one is for all the people who would rather enjoy the winter by staying indoors. Ontario has so many options when it comes to museums and art galleries! However, if you are in Toronto or willing to take a trip, the city’s museums are offering many fun activities throughout the colder months. For example, the Art Gallery Of Ontario is doing a world-exclusive exhibition of Canadian icon, Leonard Cohen, all winter. The exhibition includes unseen footage and art created by Cohen himself! The MOCA, or Museum Of Contemporary Canadian Art, is also free every Friday throughout the season. From 5-9pm every week, the Museum hosts a wide variety of different activities, pop-ups and live performances.
4. Make s’mores
Who doesn’t love s’mores? Graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate are the perfect combination when it comes to keeping those winter blues away! This classic treat is perfect for a cozy night in by the fireplace with your loved ones and a perfect way to get into the seasonal spirit. If you want to switch things up, you can also build your own campfire outside and cook them there while staying warm by the fire. If you don’t have a fire pit at your house, don’t fret! Spend some time with your family down near Lake Ontario at one of Ontario Place’s three public fire pit locations. Just make sure to bring your own wood! If you want to completely avoid any hassle, neighbouring Hotel X offers firewood and s’mores packages!
5. Go tobogganing
This is another classic winter activity that is fun for the whole family and never gets old. With snow already starting to come down across Ontario, there won’t be any shortage of tobogganing this year. There are many different hills scattered around the province, so no matter where you live, you’ll have options to choose from. Whether you want a relaxing ride or something steep and thrilling, you’re covered! Some popular hills in Ontario include:
- Pinery Park located in Grand Bend: Great slopes for all ages located right near Lake Huron. This popular summer camping location turns into a tobogganing paradise in the winter.
- Armour Hill located in Peterborough: A go-to spot for people who live in Peterborough, this historic park has the perfect hill for shredding.
- Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville: Unlike a lot of other parks in the Huntsville area, Arrowhead Provincial Park doesn’t close down for the season. In fact, it turns into a perfect winter getaway spot for people of all ages who enjoy tobogganing!
- Riverdale Park in Toronto: This massive beautiful park is perfect for tobogganing and also provides one of the best views of the city! Warm up across the street with coffee or hot chocolate from Rooster Coffee House.
- Chedoke Golf Course in Hamilton: A massive golf course in the summer, the hills surrounding this park provide an excellent place to toboggan, located just outside the downtown core.
6. Bake or make a gingerbread house
This is another tasty activity to partake in if you’d prefer to stay cozy indoors! Holiday baking and making gingerbread houses are great ways to spend quality time together while showing off each other’s skills! Many different gingerbread kits are located in-store and online. You can even make them from scratch and bake your own gingerbread to create more than just a house! If you really want to make things interesting, host a competition with your family members! The best part about these holiday activities is that you’ll have something to snack on for the upcoming week.
7. Have a winter movie marathon
Everybody loves holiday movies! There is no better way to watch them than with your loved ones in the comfort of your own home. With so many classics, you’ll never be bored. With some popcorn or Christmas cookies in hand, you’ll come to find that one of the best winter activities can be done right in your living room. If you really want to add to the fun, set up a projection screen and make a fort to watch your movie in. There’s no questioning why this is a family favourite.
8. Attend a winter festival
Ontario has tons of incredible winter festivals and events that will leave the whole family wanting more. No matter where you are in the province, there is something for everybody! Whether you like live music and performances, mesmerizing light shows or simply relaxing with the family, you’ll be thrilled with what’s happening during the snowy season. Check out Ottawa’s famous Winterlude Festival filled with ice skating, sculpture contests and more. Or, get some of your shopping done at Toronto’s Winter Village in the Distillery District with their 85+ vendors.
9. Build a snowman
Cue Frozen’s top hit “Do you want to build a snowman?” This is a classic, inexpensive winter activity to enjoy with the entire family when all else fails. When a fresh snowfall hits, bundle up the kids, grab a carrot, some buttons and a hat, and have a snowman-building competition!
We hope you take this time to enjoy quality time with your loved ones while doing one (or all) of the above family winter activities. No matter what you do this winter, an important step to take is to make sure you are up to date on the best rates when it comes to home and auto insurance! At isure, we’ve always got your back.
